Watch out – metal thieves are about!

New Forest residents and business people are urged to look out for ‘metal on the move’.

The Safer New Forest Partnership has raised the alert following a new spate of metal thefts in Lymington and other parts of the New Forest and calls for more vigilance around the clock.

Community buildings, shops, churches and schools have all been affected by metal thefts, with roof lead, manhole and drain covers, copper cables, aluminium road signs, ornate church flashing, statues and metal beer kegs all being stolen.

Police are appealing for witnesses to any suspicious behaviour involving metal, such as people digging up cables or anybody on rooftops, especially at night, to dial 999 immediately to report it to the police.
New Forest Chief Inspector Lucy Hutson said: "Metal thefts happen at business and residential premises, but in every situation they are very problematic for the victim, who has to cover the cost of replacing what has been stolen.

“It is important that we all work together in disrupting this type of criminal activity, and we encourage people to talk to us whenever they have information that may be useful in identifying offenders and preventing further offences. We want metal thieves to know that we, as a whole community, will not tolerate their actions."

NFDC portfolio holder for housing and communities, Cllr Jill Cleary said: “I urge everybody who lives or works in the New Forest to keep a lookout for any suspicious behaviour, whether it is in the middle of the day, at teatime, or late at night under cover of darkness. Metal theft is a huge problem nationally and here in the New Forest, it is vital that we report any incidents immediately.”

Concerned residents can access information to prevent lead roofing and other metal thefts on the Safer New Forest Partnership website www.communitysafety.newforest.gov.uk